Past Event

Steamboat Springs  As the Stepping Stones Transition Program goes through a name change and expansion of services, participants in the program's fifth annual Bite of the 'Boat fundraiser are getting their tasting trays ready.

Greg Smith, owner of Fireside Catering, was planning a menu of assorted appetizers Thursday afternoon, featuring Jamaican jerk pork tenderloin and a marinated buffalo flank steak with a cabernet-Shiraz sauce. He said he got involved with the event after a request from Stepping Stones transition teacher Anne Davidson.

"I know how these are great functions for the town," Smith said.

Stepping Stones - which will start the 2008-09 school year as Routt County Transition Services - is a voluntary program for students ages 18 to 21 who have graduated high school and need support making the switch from an academic to a professional environment.

"We are working on helping these students really practice their abilities to be contributing and positive members of the community," Davidson said.

Fireside Catering is one of about 10 local businesses contributing food to the event. Proceeds will go toward paying tuition for post-secondary education and providing independent-living opportunities, community activities and social functions for Stepping Stones participants.

The menu includes an artichoke and cheese bake from The Epicurean Charcuterie and Cafe, steak tartare from bistro c.v. and tastes from Steamboat Meat & Seafood Co., The Tap House Sports Grill, Sunpie's Bistro and more.

Davidson said the goal of Bite of the 'Boat is to give something back to the local businesses who provide job opportunities and social settings for Stepping Stones participants. The transition program will expand next year to include four to six recent graduates from Hayden and Soroco high schools.

"What we're trying to do is widen the scope of services to provide support and success for as many different kinds of students as possible, regardless of their needs," Davidson said.

Each student has a specially tailored program, planned around class and work schedules to fit in activities such as group dinners or providing recycling service to local senior centers.

"Because we are part of the school system, we can continue to provide language services, occupational therapy services, school psychologist services and academic services. What we're trying to do now is effectively connect those services with occupational support, community outreach, social skills, and recreational and leisure skills," Davidson said.

"Ultimately what we're doing now is helping those students transition from academic students at a high school level into all the skills they need to be well-rounded members of the community."